A report in the Altoona Mirror indicates that some members of council are willing to vote for a small tax increase now, rather than vote on a larger one down the road. Councilman Jesse Ickes has proposed a half mill tax increase for the 2023 budget, which could generate $1 million for the city. That increase would cost Altoona city residents an extra $50, based on assessed property of $100,000. Council is looking at fixing some operational deficits, and say that the longer they wait to do that, the more difficult it will become. Councilman Dave Ellis said that he sees both sides of the issue, and is not sure how he will vote. Councilman Joe Carper made his feelings very clear, stating that people are hurting, paying more for everything, and that this is not the time for an increase.
